Video: Sections of Oshwal Centre demolished

The demolition of Oshwal Centre in Nairobi began on Saturday moments after Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko said some sections would remain intact.

Two excavators were seen demolishing parts of the Oshwal Centre that is located in Parklands.

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A statement from the Governor’s office said the temple, monuments and cultural centre would not be brought down.

According to him, the three sections of the Oshwal Centre do not sit on riparian land.

“We are ready to preserve the temple, monuments and cultural centre because they are far from the river, but the rest of the structures, like the hall, that are within the stipulated riparian distance, must be removed,” the statement reads in part.

Sonko also urged leaders to refrain from turning the demolitions into a political issue.

VIDEO: Ongoing demolition of sections of Oshwal Centre in Nairobi. pic.twitter.com/tVbBHMDk9O

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 11, 2018

He reiterated previous sentiments that he would rather “be a one-term governor” than let people continue to break the law by building on riparian land.

“The President and I are interested in leaving a legacy by righting the wrongs that were committed in the past. We owe it to future generations,” Sonko said in the statement.

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The Nairobi Governor further warned that all those who colluded to give businessmen permits to construct buildings on riparian land will be arrested and prosecuted.

The Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Hajj has since directed that investigations be launched into circumstances that led officials to give approvals for such buildings.

Sonko also noted that the Government is aware that there are Kenyans who will lose their jobs following the demolition exercise that is targeting 4000 buildings.

However, the Nairobi Governor remained adamant that the demolitions will continue and those affected should set up their businesses elsewhere.

Ukay Centre in Westlands; South End Mall that was located at the junction of Lang’ata Road and Mbagathi Way as well as Java House and Shell Petrol Station in Kileleshwa were demolished this week.